Radical Islamists killing their own faith

There are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world today. There are 2 billion Christians. In most Arab-Muslim countries, the religious leaders run the government so there is no separation of church and state. Countless refugees have fled Arab countries to be free in the selection of their clothes, what they can eat and the way they can live.

The distinguishing thing about Islam (the faith of those who follow Muhammad) is the terror some of its members have created all over the world by suicidal attacks on Muslims and non-Muslims (whom they call infidels). Recently a Shiite Muslim became a living bomb and killed himself and 250 Sunni Muslims while they worshipped in a mosque. They believe today something Muhammad never taught, that one who kills others in suicidal attacks has all sins forgiven and is ushered into paradise, where 70 or 72 virgins wait to offer him every pleasure.

Our blood turned cold during World War II when we heard the Japanese had squadrons of kamikaze pilots whose purpose was to fly their planes into our aircrafts and ships. It is possible those 19 who caused havoc on Sept. 11, 2001, got the idea from the Japanese. Anyone willing to die for his or her country becomes a fearsome enemy, even a hero to their own people.

The sad truth is Muhammad never approved of suicide or many of the things that motivate so-called “warriors” today. Later, leaders distorted what was in the Koran. Muhammad actually said, “Let there be no violence in religion. If they (non-Muslims) embrace Islam, they are surely directed; but if they turn their backs, verily to thee belongs preaching only (persuasion only by words, not war).” (Will Durant, Age of Faith, page 182.) If hostility was inevitable, then the Koran said, “Kill not the old man who cannot fight, nor young children nor women.”

Muhammad actually said that suicide is wrong and that women and children and old people should not be killed. He even said Muslims are never to initiate warfare, but once they are in warfare to defend Allah, “to stand with others in battle is better than to pray for 60 years in your home.” To fight a holy war against Allah’s enemies is jihad.

Muslim scholars today say the verse is misread regarding the rewards of 70 or 72 virgins waiting to attend martyrs. They believe the proper translation of that word is “raisins,” not virgins. And they say Muhammad never said or taught there would be virgins who would invite the martyr’s affections forever and forever. It is the distortion of truth in the worst way.

How does this compare with Judaism and Christianity? The status of women by Jews and Christians is radically different, women having more equality and freedom and respect and power. Christianity teaches love, forgiveness and good will, where Islam’s recent distortions of truth project hate and violence. I cannot find in the Koran where it says, “Love your enemies, return good for evil, in as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all.”

Today, Muslims are killing fellow Muslims and non-Muslims by suicide bombing and terror. It could well be they are killing their own faith by a religion of violence and terror and their suicidal principles.